A trade union has warned the first-ever strike by workers at Tetley’s could spark a tea shortage. 

Almost 150 GMB members working at Tata Consumer Products, which makes Tetley Tea in Teesside, have voted to walk out in anger at ‘poverty pay’. 

Industrial action will take place this Friday and also on Monday, September 23.

Paul Clark, GMB organiser, said: “This loyal, predominately female workforce has endured year after year of real terms pay cuts. 

“Now they have had enough. 

“GMB members are being intimidated by management not to go on strike – they trying to bully workers rather than listen to their concerns and try to find a solution. 

“Tata bosses need to get back round the table, or we face a shortage of the UK’s favourite cup of tea this autumn.” 

Members of the GMB union at the Eaglescliffe factory, near Stockton, voted to take industrial action after being offered a 4.4 per cent pay rise,  compared to the 7 per cent they received last year.

More than 100 members took part in the ballot, with 79 per cent voting in favour of a strike.

Tata Consumer Products has been contacted by the D&S for comment.